Tyres

Sumitomo’s new sensor technology reduces risk of runaway wheel accidents

Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI), the maker of Falken Tyres, has achieved a new advance in the continuing development of its Sensing Core intelligent tyre technology. There is a new wheel detachment function set to reach production vehicles for the first time this year. Sensing Core is a flexible, sensor-less analysis and monitoring system with many different applications, including tyre pressure and wear, uneven loads and hazardous road conditions.

In recent years, accidents and injuries caused by detached wheels have increased in markets such as Japan.When car and truck drivers switch over to winter tyres and may not tighten the wheel nuts sufficiently. Whilst many commercial vehicle operators use mechanical clips on the nuts as a visual check.

Government Initiatives

The government of Japan is keen to end loose wheel accidents. SRI believes that Sensing Core’s wheel detachment function is one step towards reaching this goal. In 2024, the function will be fitted to a car as standard equipment for the first time by an OEM customer. Discussions are ongoing with additional vehicle manufacturers, states the company.

Like previously developed ‘pillars’ of Sensing Core, the wheel detachment function works independently of tyre make, model or size. It analyses wheel-speed signals and other information from the vehicle’s controller area network (CAN) to detect whether any wheel nuts are loose – by as little as one millimetre.

Also Read: Sonalika launches Sikander DLX DI 60 Torque Plus Tractor

Sensing Core grew out of SRI’s original deflation warning system (DWS), an indirect tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Fifteen OEMs from Europe, Japan, China and India fit its DWS to their cars. Now Sensing Core is the centrepiece of the peripheral services. SRI is developing to meet the future challenges of CASE vehicles and mobility as a service.

“We envisage that Sensing Core will make a significant contribution to the evolution and further development of mobility in the coming autonomous driving society,” said Dr. Bernd Löwenhaupt, Managing Director, Sumitomo Rubber Europe GmbH. “We will not only utilize the data obtained by Sensing Core, including road condition data, for vehicle control, but also pursue technological development with our eyes on the future integration of the data with societal information via cloud services.”

Cloud-based tyre-wear monitoring

SRI’s fleet trials of cloud-based TPMS have a rental company in Japan. They have already helped to demonstrate the efficiency, cost and safety value of tyre-based information. Another future application of Sensing Core is in cloud-based tyre-wear monitoring. In this scenario, software in the cloud receives usage information from the vehicle and accurately predicts the resultant tyre wear. When a tyre is ready for replacement, an alert is sent to the driver or fleet manager.

Sensing Core’s benefits will be experienced by even more drivers in the coming years. At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in January 2024, SRI announced its investment in Viaduct. It is an AI-powered, connected-vehicle analytics company with whom it has been working on a proof-of-concept since 2023. Sensing Core will integrate with Viaduct’s product to predict tyre health across a vehicle fleet.

Gaurav Sharma

Meet Gaurav, your trusted source for all things related to commercial vehicles on 91Trucks.com. With a profound passion for the world of trucks, buses, and heavy-duty machinery, Gaurav is the driving force behind the insightful articles you'll find on this platform. For Gaurav, commercial vehicles are more than just a means of transportation; they represent a captivating blend of engineering brilliance, innovation, and economic significance. Whether it's the latest trends in the industry, detailed analyses of specific models, or expert advice on purchasing, maintaining, and operating commercial vehicles, Gaurav's articles provide invaluable insights for both enthusiasts and industry professionals. Gaurav's journey into the world of commercial vehicles commenced with a childhood fascination for trucks that only intensified over the years. His thorough research and hands-on experience have equipped him with a unique perspective that shines through in every article he crafts. When he's not immersed in the world of commercial vehicles, Gaurav enjoys sharing his knowledge through engaging and informative blogs. Whether you're a fleet manager, a truck enthusiast, or simply intrigued by the captivating universe of commercial vehicles, Gaurav's articles on 91Trucks.com are your portal to a treasure trove of knowledge.

Recent Posts

ZELIO Ebikes Rebrands to ZELIO E Mobility Ltd. as it Expands Vision for Electric Mobility

The rebranding follows the company’s recent foray into the electric rickshaw market, marking its first…

1 day ago

Bharat Mobility Show 2025: Tata Leads the Charge as Auto Giants Gather in Delhi for World’s Biggest Auto Expo

The Bharat Mobility Show 2025, set to take place in Delhi, is gearing up to…

1 day ago

What is the Ticket Price for Auto Expo 2025 and Where to Get Online Tickets?

Auto Expo 2025, one of India's premier automotive events, is scheduled from January 17 to…

1 day ago

Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Tata Motors Highlights Eco Friendly, Smart, and Feature-Rich Vehicles

The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a stage for manufacturers to showcase their latest…

1 day ago

Tata Motors at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025: Defining Future Mobility

The Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is going to be a landmark show for the…

1 day ago

5 Game-Changing Commercial Vehicles to Watch at Auto Expo 2025

The Auto Expo 2025 is set to redefine the commercial vehicle industry with groundbreaking innovations…

2 days ago